Photos

THE PLACE:
In Cuzco, they say that all roads lead to Machu Picchu. But some are harder than others. The hardest trail leading to Machu Picchu is the Salkantay trail. It is believed that this less famous trail was used by the Incas when they needed to move their armies in a stealth and fast way.

Salkantay is an old word from the Inca's time, and it means something like "The Savage Mountain" or "The Wildest Mountain". The name is a very good indicative of the power of this strong mountain.

The hardest point of the trail is the mighty Salkantay Mount. With 6271m this mountain is the second highest mountain in Peru. The trail leads the trekkers to a passing point in the mountain, with a impressive 4600m of height. This passing stage is often done right into the snow, making the way even harder.

THE PHOTO:

It was actually taken after the crossing, facing back at the mount. I was too tired to try any form of advanced composition or to play around with the cameras settings. So I went for a very traditional photo. One thing that I don't particulary like is the shadow on the bottom, but there was nothing I could do about it.

USEFULL AND CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE SALKANTAY MOUNT:

- Salkantay Trail is actually an Inca Trail. People normally are lead to believe that there is only one Inca Trail. That's not true. The "Inca Trail" you hear about, it's only the most famous Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu. There are others.

- There are quite a few variants of this trail. Some lasting around 9-7 days to complete and other 4-3 days. You can't go by yourself, it's forbidden by law. You have to contract one of the agencies on Cusco and pay for the trail.

- Be sure to be on the top of your physical condition. Salkantay trail is not an easy one, especially for the inexperienced trekker. The agencies will always tell you that its not hard... But as a Tourist Conductor I can tell you guys: It is.

- Want to enter Machu Picchu in style? Than leave the famous "Inca Trail" for the tourists and go for the Salkantay Trail. It's way less crowded and it has some much more interesting nature views. Those views are gonna make any effort worth.